Dispensing, self-locking closures



Dec. 22, 1964 P. LEE

DISPENSING, SELF-LOCKING CLOSURE-S 2 Sheets-$heet 1 Filed Nov. 6, 1961 Dec. 22, 1964 P. LEE

DISPENSING, SELF-LOCKING CLOSURES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 6, l961 IN VEN TOR. fax! Lee 3,162,319 DISPENSING, SELF-LGCKING CLOURE Paul Lee, 1839 E. Clear-field St., Phiiadelphia 34, Pa. Filed Nov. 6, 1961, er. No. 159,221 3 Claims. (Cl. 215-74) The present invention relates to a closure and more particularly to a dispensing self-locking closure.

Objects of this invention are to provide such a closure which is of simple compact construction, readily and economically manufactured on a mass production basis, is sturdy and reliable in performing its functions, while being easy to operate and has sanitary provisions to prevent contamination of the sealed contents at all times.

More specific objects of the present invention are to provide a closure readily adaptable to integral construction, having completely self contained detents, having positive displacement detents lockable in the closed position, operable through a simple axial motion, permitting dispensing while attached to the cont'anier and attachable to the container which it seals.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the closure in the closed position. Part of the container to which it has been applied is shown in dash outline.

FIG. la is a sectional view taken along the line 1a1a of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the closure in the open position. Part of the container to which it has been applied is shown in dash outline.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross section view of the plug element of the closure showing in detail the surface contour of the plug where it is intended to contact the sides of the orifice. The section is taken at an axial plane through a diameter.

FIG. 4 shows an abbreviated form of the closure in a side elevation view.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the closure in FIG. 4 sighting from the top.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the closure with certain elements rearranged.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the closure showing a special form of positive displacement detent at the inner end.

FIGURE 1 illustrates the closure in the closed position and FIGURE 2 illustrates the open position. The numbers on the illustration refer to the various parts of the invention as described hereinafter.

United States Patent 0 The main body of the closure is generally cylindrical I in appearance, the bottom half of which may be considered as the inner portion and the upper half the outer portion. The inner portion 1, of the closure is comprised of the inner detent elements, the head core 3, the flexible flange 2, the large groove 10, and the undercut groove 11, and the plug 4, with its flexible face 16, and its diametral rib 17.

The head core 3 is a rigid disklike structure tapered on the free end and of a size having minimum clearance between its sides and the orifice. The flexible flange 2, above the head core 3, is of sufliciently larger diameter than the said head core 3, as to enable it to overlap the top edge of the head core 3. The said flange 2, is flexible while being sufliciently thick as to prevent the re-entry of the head core 3, into the orifice while it isoverlapping the head core 3. The large groove 10 is of suflicient depth and width to receive the flexible flange 2, when the said flange 2 is in collapsed state. The undercut groove 11, enables the flexible flange 2 to collapse to a smaller diameter in order that the said flange 2 will clear the orifice walls.

The plug 4 is preferably of rigid form with the sides having a flexible face 16 to ensure firm and continuous contact around the orifice. The flexible face 16 consists of very small flexible riblike structures on the contact face of the plug 4 as illustrated in FIGURE 3.

Connection between the plug 4 and the dispensing tube 12 which forms the largest part of the outer portion, is preferably through a diametral rib 17 above the plug 4 and local axial extensions 13 of the dispensing tube 12 which attach to the ends of the diametral rib 17.

Preferably the outer portion of the closure takes the form of a dispensing tube 12, having wall thickness in at least one place sufiicient to contain a recess 7 on the outer surface. Attached to the outer side of the tube 12 also is a tab 5 which may be collapsed or retracted completely into the recess 7. When extended, the tab 5 acts as a detent to prevent axial movement of the closure into the orifice and when retracted or collapsed, the tab 5 does not hinder axial travel of the closure.

The flexible connection 15 to the cap 6 may be attached to the outer side of the dispensing tube 12 as shown in FIGURES l and 2, or to the upper outer side of the tab 5 as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7. The said flexible connection 15 also functions as a stop to excessive axial travel inward of the closure.

The location of the various parts are determined to a great extent by the length of the orifice. The tab 5 extends over the top edge of the orifice Wall when the flexible flange 2 is in contact with the bottom edge of the orifice wall. The flexible connection 15 stops axial travel when the plug 4 has cleared the bottom end of the orifice sufliciently to permit passage of material into the dispensing tube 12 in such quantity as desired.

The dispensing tube 12 is of a size to fit sufliciently tight in the orifice as to maintain the closure in position while material is being dispensed and exclude said material from passing between the orifice wall and the dispensing tube 12.

The flexible connection 15 is preferably of sufficient stillness to hold the cap 6 clear of the dispensing tube 12 while the closure is stationary. When desirable, the cap 6 provides a sanitary cover for the dispensing tube 12 but is not a necessary part or" the invention. Any convenient handle may be attached in place of the flexible connection 15 and the cap 6 for means of exterior control.

The form of the inner detent used in the closure illustrated in FIGURE 7 is preferable when it is desired that removal of the closure from the container be possible after being rendered captive thereto. The flexible bar 21 extends diametrically'outward overhanging the head core 31. The recess 19 and recess 20 are each capable of containing the flexible bar 21 when it is bent or collapsed thereto. The recess 22 prevents total collapse or retraction of the flexible bar 21 when the said bar is directed thereto. Thus when the bar 21 is directed into the recess 22 detent action occurs, resulting from the protrusion of the bar 21 past the circumference of the head core 31. Two or more of this form of detent are preferable in each closure.

The closure is preferably constructed integrally of a naturally flexible material such as polyethylene, although any other materialor combination of materials which will impart to the completed closure the physical characteristics which are described above may be used.

The flexible .face of the plug may take any of numerous different configurations to satisfy the needs of difierent sealing requirements, such asduration of usage, tight ness of sealing; ease of operation or other conditions- A more easilyfslidaible closure can be produced by haying the sealing function at'the. lower'end' of the dispensing tube 12 and at the glower side of theplug fulfilled by a circumferential lip-tapering diametrically outward to a knife-edge. Such a lipt would provide a wiping .-.seal;

Another configuration 10 could have a plurality of such lips as described above in gradually increasingsizes: so'that one of the lips would provide: an-optimu'm'z fit in cases where variations occur against the 'sides of the orifice.

in orifice dimensions.

The closure -rnay beused in sealing any orifice and is not limited to use in the orifice: ofa container;

The closure is put in use by inserting t intothe orifice of' the container to be sealed. This is accomplished; readily without using great forceibecause ,the=closure is designed tofit slideably within the orifice whichitseals.

The closure-is inserted-into the orifice'with the-head core 3 first.- The-head core 3 is tapered and of theisize which enables it to,slide easily ;thr'ough'theorifice. 'Second, continued axialmotion'of the closure causes the= flexible flange- 2 tocontact the outer end ofthe orifice wall and be'forced to collapse 'into thergrooye" 1'0. The

undercut groove 11 provides clearance. Third,- the plug 1 4 is pushed into theorifice followed by the connection to the dispensing tube 12 diametralrib 17 and axial extensions 13 of the dispensing tu-be 12. Fourth the tab 5 is 30 depressed into recess 7, while-th e dispensing tube 12 slides through the orifice until axial motionis stopped'by the flexible connection 15,:attached either to-the side of the dispensing tube;12, as shown in FIGURE :2," or the tab S;

as shown in FIGURE 6, In thisposition; the inner por- 3 tion of the closure including the plug-A has-cleared th y inner endrof the orifice and the flexible flange Z-has returned to its original-position overlapping the head core- 3." The closure is now drawn' outward through theiorifice until axial motion is-stopped by the inner detent, the'flex-= ible flange z preventing-the head core-3 from re-ente'ringthe orifice.- In this. position,- shownin FIGURE" 1, the l a plug 4 is in the orifice and the latter is sealed by .the tight Also .in this position thetab' fit of the plug 4 therein. p 5 of the-outer detentextends-over the outer end of the orifice walls.

detents.

' To release the closure, the tab Sis collapsed intothe r recess '7 and the closure is-pushed inward through the 50 I orifice untilstoppedby theattached flexible connection 15. A In this position as shown in FIGURE Z flowa ble material may enterthe opening 8 and'pass -through the. dispensing tube passage. 9. Thus 'material isdispensed while theclosure is attached to the container.

7 Operation" of the" modified form of closure as shown in;

FIGURES 4 and 5 is largely similar to the above." This form of the closure-may be used where atight sealiis notrequired. The inner and outer cletents' function as: previously'describedc In this casethe flexibleflange z also blocks the innerend of the' orifice' thus sealing the. container. Dispensing of n aterial' takes place readily" 7 through the orifice of the containerwhich is not blocked when theclosure is in the open position.- I p I Operation of the closureshown in FIGURE'6 is identical with. that shown in FIGURES'landZ In addition, the flexible connection 15; as attached to the tab 5 acts as af bracinglmember to hold the tahiinthe-extendedf;pos1tion. :Thusthe closure is locked more securely'in'theclosed position; 7

The vform ofthe closure illustrated which it .sealsh- A. clockwise'turning motion' is added wi i ns t t e desire ia y-g int ilhei orifice. AS the overlapping portion oi the'fiexible bar 21 bears'againstj:

Thus the closure is 'locked in place in the closed posit'ion by the cooperation ofthe inner and-outer I I in'FIGUREipern'nts' its repeatediin'se'rtion andcremovalifrom' theorifice ing. Thus the flexible. bar zifoverhangs the head core 31- and prevents the head core 31 fromre-enteringthe 15 orifice. The outer 'detent action is aspreviously described. v I V p The: closure is removed from the orifice byvdrawing the closure outward and simultaneouslyturning it counter clockwise causing-the flexible bar 21'to collapse completely into the recess 19,; thus permitting unhindered withdrawal of the closurefrom the orifice.

I claim:

.1. In a .container'clos urefor insertion in-the orifice of a container, a flexible body, having a generally .longitudinally.'extendingdischarge opening a passage". extend ing into the discharge opening :betweenth two ends of the closure and adapted'to be open to the contents of the container when-the closure. is inserted/into the container 'andto be; closedfrorn the contentsrofthecontainer when 7 the closure is moved .outwardly 'inlthe orifice," said body having plug means located inwardlyof said passage and sealing .on' the orifice;when theLcontainer closureis in closed'position, means for imprisoning'said closure in 'said container. comprising a flexible;annular flange of larger diameter than the orifice located on said body int w ardly of theplug meansand adapted to be located in a; posit-ion beyond the diameter at the orifice'said body having a 'groove, lo'c'ated outwardly of said flange and large enough to permit collapse of'said flange into said groove when said'closure is inserted into said orifice, said body ,hayingra second groove located inwardly of said flange, andan annular abutment located inwardly of said flangeand beyond s aid 'inwardl-y located groove extending out to substantiallythe'diameter; of the orifice and adapted to engage said flange to imprison said closure when an efio rt is made to 'withdraw thej same frorn =the orifice.

2." A 'cont'ainer clo'sure of claim '1, savings lateral resaid passage ,and' the outer end of said closure, and'a detent 'Ttab hingedly mounted i and resiliently urged to :an outerposition-beyondthe" diameter of said' orifice at whichlit limits inward movement of said closure to a position preventing" flow of; liquid through the orifice and the orifice:

3. A container p p a limit stop m eans located "extending fronisaid body and of the clo'sure intojthe container to" a position permitting flow'of liquid through the orifice References Cited byzthe -Examiner. UNITEDSTATES, PATENTS 2378961 7 EARLETIQDRUMIZONDI Examiner.

whichprevents the said flexible bar 21' from further bendcess attheoutsidebfjsaid flexible 'bo'dy'located between ".depressible into, said recessto permitmovement vof said closure-te a position permitting flo'wof liquid "through closureof 1, in combination with located at ithe outer end thereof andfadapted to insertion 

1. IN A CONTAINER CLOSURE FOR INSERTION IN THE ORIFICE OF A CONTAINER, A FLEXIBLE BODY HAVING A GENERALLY LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING DISCHARGE OPENING A PASSAGE EXTENDING INTO THE DISCHARGE OPENING BETWEEN THE TWO ENDS OF THE CLOSURE AND ADAPTED TO BE OPEN TO THE CONTENTS OF THE CONTAINER WHEN THE CLOSURE IS INSERTED INTO THE CONTAINER AND TO BE CLOSED FROM THE CONTENTS OF THE CONTAINER WHEN THE CLOSURE IS MOVED OUTWARDLY IN THE ORIFICE, SAID BODY HAVING PLUG MEANS LOCATED INWARDLY OF SAID PASSAGE AND SEALING ON THE ORIFICE WHEN THE CONTAINER CLOSURE IS IN CLOSED POSITION, MEANS FOR IMPRISONING SAID CLOSURE IN SAID CONTAINER COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ANNULAR FLANGE OF LARGER DIAMETER THAN THE ORIFICE LOCATED ON SAID BODY INWARDLY OF THE PLUG MEANS AND ADAPTED TO BE LOCATED IN A POSITION BEYOND THE DIAMETER OF THE ORIFICE, SAID BODY HAVING A GROOVE LOCATED OUTWARDLY OF SAID FLANGE AND LARGE ENOUGH TO PERMIT COLLAPSE OF SAID FLANGE INTO SAID GROOVE WHEN SAID CLOSURE IS INSERTED INTO SAID ORIFICE, SAID BODY HAVING A SECOND GROOVE LOCATED INWARDLY OF SAID FLANGE, AND AN ANNULAR ABUTMENT LOCATED INWARDLY OF SAID FLANGE AND BEYOND SAID INWARDLY LOCATED GROOVE EXTENDING OUT TO SUBSTANTIALLY THE DIAMETER OF THE ORIFICE AND ADAPTED TO ENGAGE SAID FLANGE TO IMPRISON SAID CLOSURE WHEN AN EFFORT IS MADE TO WITHDRAW THE SAME FROM THE ORIFICE. 